Observed Signal · May 21, 2026 · Platform Update · Source: Cord Cutters News · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Positive
Local Now Adds Four Free Live Channels
Local Now expanded its free, ad-supported streaming lineup by adding four new live channels: FilmRise World’s Evil Killers, FilmRise Highway to Heaven, Elevation Church Network, and Scripps Sports Network. The additions broaden Local Now’s catalog beyond localized news and weather into true crime, classic drama, faith-based programming, and live sports. Local Now—originally part of The Weather Channel app and later acquired by Entertainment Studios in 2018 (now under Allen Media Group)—operates as a free AVOD/FAST service across major devices and more than 225 U.S. markets, offering hundreds of linear streams and thousands of on-demand titles. The move increases genre diversity and free ad-supported inventory for viewers and advertisers on CTV/streaming platforms.
Incremental expansion of free, ad-supported streaming inventory and genre diversity on a FAST/CTV platform increases ad opportunities but is not industry-shifting.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Local Now added four new live channels: FilmRise World’s Evil Killers, FilmRise Highway to Heaven, Elevation Church Network, and Scripps Sports Network.
- Local Now is a free, ad-supported streaming service that does not require subscriptions or logins.
- The platform traces its origins to The Weather Channel app and was acquired by Entertainment Studios in 2018; it later operated under Allen Media Group.
- Local Now distributes hundreds of linear streams and thousands of on-demand titles and has expanded into more than 225 U.S. markets, with claims of over 400 channels in its catalog.
Connected Companies & Entities
2 Entities mappedRelated Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Local Now Adds Two Free Live Channels
Local Now, the free ad-supported streaming service, has added two new 24/7 live channels: the Bob Ross Channel (art instruction and calming painting tutorials) and The Historian Channel (documentaries and educational series covering world history). Both channels are available at no cost across Local Now’s platform on connected TVs, mobile devices and web browsers, with basic access requiring no login. The additions expand Local Now’s FAST-style lineup of free programming and increase ad-supported inventory for advertisers. The Bob Ross Channel loops classic wet-on-wet landscape tutorials, while The Historian Channel offers archival footage, expert analysis and multi-episode historical series. Local Now says the move aims to broaden appeal to learners, families and hobbyists and to promote longer viewing sessions on its platform.
State of Streaming Adds Local Now Profile
Local Now is a free streaming app owned by Allen Media Group that focuses on local news, weather, and entertainment. Headquartered in Los Angeles, CA, the service was founded in 2016 and offers 400+ channels. This entry appears on the State of Streaming directory as a publisher/platform listing with links to its website and related corporate family listings (including The Weather Channel Streaming App).
Roku Adds Seven Free Live Channels to Roku Devices
Roku announced on 2026-06-30 that it added seven new live channels to Roku TVs and Roku players, expanding The Roku Channel’s free, ad-supported lineup. The additions include QVC 365, Local Now Las Vegas, Dateline Español, Telemundo Las Vegas, Joy Sauce Network, Popcorn Center, and Rugby Pass TV. The new channels cover shopping, local news, Spanish-language programming, positive entertainment, movies and sports, and are available without subscription fees via the Roku Channel Store or the device live TV guide. Roku positions the expansion as a way to broaden viewer choice, reach niche audiences, and keep engagement on its platform.
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